Merchandise sample storing method and container therefor

ABSTRACT

This invention provides comparatively thin trade sample packing containers that securely protect the trade samples inside, samples such as foods, cosmetics, and medicines, and that are suitable for card-shaped trade samples packing a small amount of a trade sample. The features of the trade sample container of this invention are the sheet of sample packing film that forms the sample packing space and the reinforcing material packing space into which the reinforcing material that encloses the sample packing space is packed, the samples to be packed into the sample packing space, a reinforcing material to be packed into the foregoing packing space, and a film that seals the container holding the samples and reinforcing materials.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

This invention relates to a method and containers for packing trade samples, such as foods, cosmetics, and medicines, while protecting the samples securely in comparatively thin containers. The invention relates especially to a trade sample packing method and containers most suitable for card-shaped trade samples which may be coated or charged with a small amount of cosmetics, such as foundation makeup, lipstick, eyeshadow, or cream, as well as other trade samples.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

Many types of trade samples in use include printed information for explanation or sales promotion of certain merchandise and which are offered as a sales promotion item to consumers via direct mail or as inserts in the advertisement pages of magazines.

An example of a well-known container of this type is the blister pack that may contain cosmetics, confectionery, or tablets. A brief description of such a blister pack follows. In FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), a transparent plastic film 10 is to allow a clear view of the trade samples 11 inside it. Sample packing spaces 12 are created by vacuum forming or other means. With the trade samples 11 packed in the spaces 12, the base material 13 (e.g., a film to cover the openings) is attached to complete the trade sample. User instructions and information about the sample 11 are printed on the base material 13 so that a consumer can try the sample 11 easily. By packing the sample in a vacuum-formed space, this packaging technology prevents the sample from being contaminated by air-borne dust or by contact with humans or other objects.

Similar to the above, other packing containers called “thermal-formed containers” are also used.

A problem with the conventional sample containers depicted in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) is that the parts containing the samples project outward and are highly vulnerable to external pressure and impact, thus making them unable to protect the samples inside.

The purpose of this invention is to prevent the above technical problem of conventional containers by offering a method of containing trade samples and containers so that the trade samples will be protected securely and can be delivered easily when attached to direct mail brochures, magazines, leaflets, and postcards.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The method used by this invention to achieve the above purpose and solve the above problems is to pack the samples and reinforcing materials in the sample packing space, with reinforcing material enclosing the sample packing space, by forming the container on a sheet of sample packing film. Then, with the samples and the reinforcing materials packed in the container, a cover film is adhered to the container opening to seal it and complete the trade sample.

Another aspect of this invention relates to a trade sample container that has a sheet of sample packing film forming the sample packing space and the reinforcing-material space to pack the reinforcing material by enclosing the sample packing space, the samples to be packed in the sample packing space, a reinforcing material to be packed in the foregoing packing space, and a film that seals the container holding the samples and reinforcing materials.

Another aspect of this invention relates to a trade sample container that has a sample packing space, a reinforcing material packing space to contain the reinforcing material enclosing the sample packing space, a film that forms a passage between the two foregoing packing spaces, the samples to be packed in the sample packing space, a reinforcing material to be packed in the reinforcing material space, and a film that seals the container holding the samples and reinforcing material.

Any forming method including vacuum forming, thermal forming, and hot press can be used to form the above sample packing film.

The above film used as the cover of the container can be made of aluminum, plastic, or paper.

An adhesive may be applied to the outside of the above film used as the cover of the container.

A double-sided tape may be applied, instead of an adhesive, to the outside of the above film used as the cover of the container.

The reinforcing material can be made of cardboard, plastic, wood, or metal and others.

The reinforcing material may prevent the trade samples from being damaged.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) show sectional views of the trade sample container of this invention.

FIG. 1(a) is a sectional view B-B in FIG. 1(b) and FIG. 1(b) is a sectional view A-A in FIG. 1(a).

FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are sectional views of a trade sample container in a different practical form of this invention.

FIG. 2(a) is a sectional view B-B in FIG. 2(b) and FIG. 2(b) is a sectional view A-A in FIG. 2(a).

FIG. 3(a) is the plan view of a conventional trade sample container and FIG. 3(b) is a sectional view A-A in FIG. 3(a).

THE BEST PRACTICAL FORM FOR THIS INVENTION

The following is an explanation of some of the practical forms of the trade sample containers of this invention by referring to the figures. The sample containers in the practical forms described below are for cosmetic samples.

FIG. 1 shows the plan sectional view and side sectional view of the trade sample of this invention. (FIG. 1(a) is the sectional view B-B in FIG. 1(b) and FIG. 1(b) is the sectional view A-A in FIG. 1(a)). This container is formed using plastic film (plastic sheet). The sample packing space 2 and reinforcing material packing space 3 that enclose the space 2 are created by vacuum-forming on the sample packing film 1 as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b). The sample packing film 1 can be formed by any forming technology, including vacuum-forming, thermal forming and hot press. The shape of the flat portion and depth of the foregoing sample packing space are formed to fit the sample 2 a (Shape of the section of a lipstick sample or nearly trapezoidal), so that the sample does not move around inside the space. The reinforcing material packing space 3 that encloses the sample packing space is nearly oval in shape, and its depth is equal to or slightly larger than the depth of the sample packing space. The flat portion of the reinforcing material does not need to be oval as shown in the figure. It can be variously shaped in concentric, circular and polygonal (triangular, rectangular) forms to conform to the shape of the sample.

The thickness of the reinforcing material 3 a to be placed in the reinforcing material packing space is equal to or slightly thicker than the thickness of the sample. The reinforcing material can be made of various materials, such as cardboard, wood, plastic, or metal, as long as it can protect the sample against an external force. It can be made of any material as long as it is strong enough to protect the sample. The film 1 that forms the sample container can be made of various plastics, preferably transparent to allow the sample inside to be seen.

The cover film 4 is attached to seal the opening in the sample packing film. It is adhered to or deposited directly on the sample packing film 1 to prevent any dust from entering through the gap between the film 1 and film 4 and also to prevent any deterioration of the sample quality. The cover film can be made of aluminum foil, plastic film, or paper. The sample container can be adhered to a book cover, leaflet, or catalog on the outside of the cover film by peeling off the cover film covering the adhesive on the outside of the film 4. A double-sided tape can be applied to the outside of the film 4 instead of the adhesive.

As described above, the steps to prepare the sample containers are:

1. The sample packing space and reinforcing material packing space are formed on the sample packing film 1 using a vacuum forming machine.

2. With the sample 2 a and reinforcing material 3 a packed in the sample packing space and reinforcing material packing space, respectively, the cover film 4 is attached.

3. The sample packing film and cover films, closely adhered to or deposited on each other, are fixed.

When vacuum forming the sample packing film, the samples and reinforcing materials can be packed at the same time into their respective packing spaces by vacuuming the samples and reinforcing materials positioned on the film placed on the mold. Furthermore, adhesive or double-sided tape can be applied to the outside of the cover film 4, so that the container can be attached to any other object easily.

In the above example, the sample packing space 2 and reinforcing material packing space 3 are separated completely. As shown in FIG. 2, a passage 5 of a suitable shape can be formed through the packing spaces 2 and 3 or can be formed in the packing film or cover film, or both. This enables the reinforcing material to function also as a desiccant, antioxidant, anticorrosive, or disinfectant, thereby preventing the quality of the sample from deteriorating. (This protects the sample from oxidation and humidity and prevents the sample quality from deteriorating.) Also, the reinforcing material itself can be made of actual desiccant or antioxidant material.

The above description is an example of the practical form of this invention. The container of this invention can be used to pack a wide range of samples such as foods, cosmetics, and medicines. The sample packing film and cover film can be made of various types of plastics and aluminum foils. A single sample or several samples can be positioned on the film as shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). This invention can be used in various ways without deviating from its spirit or characteristics. The above practical examples should be taken as mere examples and not be interpreted as implying restrictions or limitations.

Industrial Applicability

The sample container of this invention can protect the trade samples securely from external forces. Also, the container can be attached easily to magazines and catalogs. The container can be used to pack various types of samples including those that must be kept humid, oily items, dry powder, granules, tablets, foods, cosmetics, toys, and sundry goods. Furthermore, the containers offer excellent effects because text or graphic information can be printed on the container film, cover film, and reinforcing material to provide user instructions and information about the samples. 

1. A method to pack samples and reinforcing material, comprising the steps of; forming a sample packing space and a reinforcing material packing space on a sheet of sample packing film, said reinforcing material packing space formed so as to enclose said sample packing space; packing said samples and said reinforcing materials in said packing spaces, said packing spaces forming a container; and adhering a cover film to the container opening to seal it and complete a trade sample.
 2. A trade sample container comprising: a sheet of sample packing film forming a sample packing space and a reinforcing material packing space in which to pack a reinforcing material that encloses the sample packing space, said reinforcing material being packed inside said packing spaces; and a cover film that seals the container holding the samples and reinforcing materials.
 3. A trade sample container comprising: a sample packing space; a reinforcing material packing space in which to pack a reinforcing material that encloses the sample packing space; a sample packing film that forms a passage between said packing spaces; samples to be packed inside the sample packing space; a reinforcing material to be packed inside the reinforcing material packing space; and a cover film that seals the container holding the samples and reinforcing material.
 4. The trade sample container according to claim 2, wherein said sample packing film is formed by any forming method including vacuum forming, thermal forming, and hot press.
 5. The trade sample container according to claim 2, wherein said cover film is made of aluminum, plastics, or paper and is used as a cover of the container.
 6. The trade sample container according to claim 2, wherein an adhesive is applied to the outside of said cover film used as the cover of the container.
 7. The trade sample container according to claim 6, wherein a double-sided tape is applied to the outside of said cover film used as the cover of the container.
 8. The trade sample container according to claim 2, wherein said reinforcing material is made of cardboard, plastics, wood, or metal.
 9. The trade sample container according to claim 3, wherein said reinforcing material consists of a material that prevents the trade samples from being damaged or deteriorated. 